Control circuit and reconfigurable logic block

ABSTRACT

A control circuit for providing a control signal to build a logic circuit includes a latch circuit including first and second inverted logic gates; a first variable resistive memory provided between an output of the first inverted logic gate and an input of the second inverted logic gate, the first variable resistive memory configured to store a resistance value in accordance with a write signal; and a resistive element provided between an input of the first inverted logic gate, wherein the output of the second inverted logic gate serves to transmit the control signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese Patent Application P2003-335574 filed on Sep. 26, 2003;the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a reconfigurable logic block. Morespecifically, it relates to a control circuit for reading and writingcircuitry data for a logic circuit in a memory element.

2. Description of the Related Art

A reconfigurable logic block rewrites a configuration of a logic circuitusing software, and is effective as a means of providing an adaptablesystem large-scale integration (LSI). However, the reconfigurable logicblock is large-scale since a memory array, which stores reconfigurationdata for a to-be-rewritten logic circuit, is required. Furthermore, whenrewriting a logic circuit, it is necessary to serially transmit a largequantity of circuitry data from a memory to a circuit via a bus line.Thus, a great deal of time is required for logic circuitreconfiguration.

In order to solve these problems, it is effective to embed the memoryarray, which serves to switch over interconnects in the reconfigurablelogic block, on the interconnection layer of the reconfigurable logicblock.

In other words, since the typical memory array is large-scale, the areaof the reconfigurable logic block may be reduced by being fabricated ina multi-level structure. Furthermore, since the interconnect distancebetween the memory array and the logic circuit may decrease and signalsmay be transmitted in parallel, the transmission speed of signals forrewriting the interconnects of the logic circuit may increase (Refer toIEICE Tech. Report. ICD2002-10, 2002, p. 13).

In a current method, since writing and reading for the memory array isimplemented, for example, in series in units of 16 bits, a great deal oftime is required with a large-scale logic circuit. Furthermore, evenwith rewriting logic circuit interconnects, reconfiguration isimplemented in series, requiring a great deal of time.

In the case of transmitting data in parallel between the memory arrayand the logic circuit, a circuit for writing to and reading from memoryelements needs to be miniaturized in order to miniaturize thereconfigurable logic block. Heretofore, a sense amplifier is used forreading circuitry data for the logic circuit. However, the senseamplifier is larger than a memory element. Since each memory elementmust be provided with a write circuit and a sense amplifier, it isdifficult to miniaturize the entire reconfigurable logic block.

The present invention was devised in response to the forgoingrequirements, and aims to provide a reconfigurable logic block and acontrol circuit, so as to miniaturize a write or readout circuit for amemory array, miniaturize the entire circuit by providing a multi-levelmemory, and decrease logic circuit reconfiguration time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention inheres in a control circuit forproviding a control signal to build a logic block, including: a latchcircuit including a first inverted logic gate and a second invertedlogic gate; a first variable resistive memory provided between an outputof the first inverted logic gate and an input of the second invertedlogic gate, the first variable resistive memory configured to storevarying a resistance value in accordance with a write signal; and aresistive element provided between an input of the first inverted logicgate and an output of the second inverted logic gate, the output of thesecond inverted logic gate serving to transmit the control signal.

A second aspect of the present invention inheres in a reconfigurablelogic block, including: an input circuit configured to acquirereconfiguration data of logic gates for building a plurality of logiccircuits; a memory array having a plurality of memory unitscorresponding to a number of the plurality of logic circuits, the memoryunits including paired first and second variable resistive memories,configured to store the reconfiguration data based on a magnituderelation of resistance between the first and second variable resistivememories in accordance with a write signal corresponding to thereconfiguration data; an inverted logic gate array having a plurality ofinverted logic gate units corresponding to the memory units, each of theinverted logic gate units having a latch circuit, which includes a firstinverted logic gate and a second inverted logic gate, the inverted logicgate unit connected respectively to the first variable resistive memorybetween an output of the first inverted logic gate and an input of thesecond inverted logic gate, and the second variable resistive memorybetween an input of the first inverted logic gate and an output of thesecond inverted logic gate, the inverted logic gate units configured totransmit the configuration signal by reading out the reconfigurationdata from the memory units; a selection circuit configured to transmit aselection signal for the reconfiguration data to the inverted logic gatearray; and a reconfigurable logic gate configured to rebuild the logicgates in accordance with the configuration signal corresponding to thereconfiguration data selected by the selection signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary reconfigurable logicblock according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary structure of asemiconductor chip installing the reconfigurable logic block accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary memory arrayaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of acontrol circuit according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of control signals froma control circuit unit according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of configurationsignals from a control circuit block according to the first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of acontrol circuit according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary characteristic table for the control circuitaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of control signals froma control circuit unit according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another exemplary configurationof the control circuit according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary characteristic table for another control circuitaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an exemplary reconfigurable logicblock according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary structure of avariable resistive memory according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is a graph showing a voltage versus resistance characteristicfor the variable resistive memory according to the third embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of acontrol circuit according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary characteristic table for the control circuitaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of acontrol circuit according to other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing another exemplary configurationof a control circuit according to the other embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing another exemplary configurationof a control circuit according to the other embodiments of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing another exemplary configurationof a control circuit according to the other embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that the sameor similar reference numerals are applied to the same or similar partsand elements throughout the drawings, and the description of the same orsimilar parts and elements will be omitted or simplified. It is notedthat in the description of the present invention, an “inverted logicgate” is defined as an inverter, a NAND logic gate or a NOR logic gate.

First Embodiment

A reconfigurable logic block 40 according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention, as shown in FIG. 1, includes an input circuit 58 foracquiring an input signal Din including data used for implementingreconfiguration of logic gates for each of a plurality of logic circuits(hereinafter, referred to as ‘reconfiguration data’) from an inputterminal 51 externally connected to, for example, a design system for alogic circuit layout (not shown in the drawing). A write circuit 54 isprovided for transmitting a write signal Dwr corresponding to thereconfiguration data by amplifying and converting a circuitry datasignal Dlw transmitted from the input circuit 58. A control circuit unit72 has a memory array 46 storing the reconfiguration data for theplurality of logic circuits in accordance with the write signal Dwr andan inverted logic gate array 56 implementing logical operations based onthe stored reconfiguration data by control signals DSa and DSb. Thecontrol circuit unit 72 transmits a configuration signal DSccorresponding to the reconfiguration data stored in the memory array 46.A selection circuit 52 transmits a write instruction signal Pwr to thewrite circuit 54 for the memory array 46, and transmits a selectionsignal Psel for the reconfiguration data to the inverted logic gatearray 56. A reconfigurable logic gate 50 is provided for rebuilding alogic gate of the logic circuit in accordance with the configurationsignal DSc, which is transmitted from the control circuit unit 72,corresponding to the reconfiguration data for the logic circuit selectedby the selection signal Psel. Note that the memory array 46 includes aplurality of arranged memory modules corresponding to each of the logiccircuits for reconfiguration. Additionally, since each inverted logicgate in the logic circuit array 56 is individually connected to eachvariable resistive memory in the memory array 46, the inverted logicgate array 56 also includes a plurality of arranged inverted logic gatescorresponding to each of the memory modules in the memory array 46. Areconfigurable logic circuit serving a specific operation is provided byconnecting a plurality of reconfigurable logic blocks 40.

A semiconductor chip 41 in which the reconfigurable logic blocks 40 areinstalled includes, as shown in FIG. 2, a semiconductor substrate 42having the input circuit 58, the write circuit 54, the inverted logicgate array 56, the selection circuit 52, the reconfigurable logic gate50; an interconnection layer 44 provided on the semiconductor substrate42; and the memory array 46 provided on a surface of the interconnectionlayer 44. The interconnection layer 44 includes, interconnects for theinput circuit 58, the write circuit 54, the inverted logic gate array56, the selection circuit 52, the reconfigurable logic gate 50 on thesemiconductor substrate 42; and interconnects connecting between theinverted logic gate array 56 and the memory array 46 in the controlcircuit unit 72. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary layout of the memory array 46located on the surface of the interconnection layer 44. However, thelocation of the memory array 46 is not limited to the surface of theinterconnection layer 44. Alternatively, the memory array 46 may beinstalled in the interconnection layer 44. As shown, the memory array 46is provided on the interconnection layer 44, which is arranged on thesemiconductor device 42, allowing a miniaturized reconfigurable logicblock 40, which is a basic structural element of a reconfigurable logiccircuit.

A look-up table (LUT), an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) or the like isused for the reconfigurable logic gate 50. The LUT or the ALU isprovided with a logic gate, or a processing unit or the like by use of ametal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor or a complementary MOS (CMOS)transistor, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of memory units 64 corresponding to thereconfiguration data to be used for building the plurality of logiccircuits, in the memory modules 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, . . . provided in thememory array 46 of the control circuit unit 72, are arranged on theupper portion of the reconfigurable logic gate 50. Each memory unit 64is connected to the corresponding inverted logic gate array 56.

As shown in FIG. 4, each control circuit 70 provided in the controlcircuit unit 72 according to the first embodiment includes an invertedlogic gate unit 68, which is provided in the inverted logic gate array56 of FIG. 1, and the memory unit 64 corresponding to the inverted logicgate unit 68, which is provided in the memory array 46. A first invertedlogic gate 68 a and a second inverted logic gate 68 b are provided inthe inverted logic gate unit 68, and a first variable resistive memory64 a and a second variable resistive memory 64 b are provided in thememory unit 64. The first variable resistive memory 64 a is connected toa first interconnect between an output of the first inverted logic gate68 a and an input of the second inverted logic gate 68 b. The secondvariable resistive memory 64 b is connected to a second interconnectbetween an input of the first inverted logic gate 68 a and an output ofthe second inverted logic gate 68 b. In other words, the first andsecond variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b are inserted betweenthe input and the output of the first and second inverted logic gates 68a and 68 b to provide a latch circuit, respectively.

Accordingly, the control signal DSa of the first inverted logic gate 68a is received by the second inverted logic gate 68 b via the firstvariable resistive memory 64 a, and the control signal DSb of the secondinverted logic gate 68 b is received by the first inverted logic gate 68a via the second variable resistive memory 64 b. The first and secondvariable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b have write terminals 63 a and63 b, respectively, for writing the reconfiguration data of the logiccircuit. The first and second variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 bare respectively connected to the write circuit 54. Furthermore, thereis an output terminal 69 of the control circuit 70 provided on theoutput of the second inverted logic gate 68 b. The control circuit 70transmits ‘1’ or ‘0’ as the control signal DSb based on thereconfiguration data written in the memory unit 64. The first and secondinverted logic gates 68 a and 68 b of the latch circuit are negativelogic gates such as NOT circuits (inverters), NAND circuits, and NORcircuits. In the first embodiment, inverters are used for the first andsecond inverted logic gates 68 a and 68 b. For the first and secondvariable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b, a variable resistive memorysuch as a magneto-resistive memory which varies resistivity by amagnetic field, a phase transition-type memory which varies resistivityby phase transition of a material due to light or heat, and a memorywhich varies resistivity by an electrical signal may be used.Accordingly, the write signal Dwr is any one of a magnetic signal, anoptical signal, a thermal signal, and an electrical signal correspondingto each memory used for the first and second variable resistive memories64 a and 64 b.

For the reconfigurable logic gate 50, as shown in FIG. 5, an LUT, an ALUor the like, which is connected to each output terminal 69 of aplurality of control circuits 70, 70 a, 70 b, . . . , and 70 k in thecontrol circuit unit 72, is used. The LUT or the ALU includes aplurality of switching transistors such as MOS transistors, so as toswitch over a configuration of logic gates. The configuration of logicgates is determined by a combination of the control signals DSb of thecontrol circuits 70, 70 a, 70 b, . . . , and 70 k. For example, the LUTmay build an AND circuit with a specific combination of the controlsignals DSb, while the LUT may build a NOR circuit with anothercombination of the control signals DSb.

In the first embodiment, to begin with, the input circuit 58 receivesthe input signal Din including the reconfiguration data of the logicgates for the plurality of logic circuits from a design system for alogic circuit layout or the like, via the input terminal 51, and thewrite circuit 54 receives the circuitry data signal Dlw. In the writecircuit 54, in accordance with the write instruction signal Pwr from theselection circuit 52, the memory array 46 sequentially receives thewrite signals Dwr of the reconfiguration data. The write signal Dwrallows the memory units 64 shown in FIG. 3 to be written with thereconfiguration data via the write terminals 63 a and 63 b of the firstand second variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b. Thus, therespective reconfiguration data for the reconfigurable logic gates 50 ofthe plurality of logic circuits are stored in each memory unit 64 in thememory array 46.

The control circuit unit 72 transmits the configuration signals DSc tothe reconfigurable logic gates 50 based on the reconfiguration data forthe reconfigurable logic gates 50 previously stored in each memory unit64. For example, respective resistance values VRa and VRb of the firstand second variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b are assumed to beequivalent because the reconfiguration data is not written into thememory unit 64 of the control circuit 70 shown in FIG. 4. When the powersupply for the entire reconfigurable logic block 40 is turned on, bothvalues of the input terminals of the first and second inverted logicgates 68 a and 68 b are ‘0’ immediately thereafter. As a result, thefirst and second inverted logic gates 68 a and 68 b simultaneously beginoperations to turn the control signals DSa and DSb to ‘1’. However, thecircuit configurations are symmetrical for the first and second invertedlogic gates 68 a and 68 b. Therefore, whether the first inverted logicgate 68 a or the second inverted logic gate 68 b is ‘1’ or ‘0’ is notdetermined.

In the first embodiment, the control circuit 70 has the first and secondvariable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b written with differentresistance values VRa and VRb, respectively. For example, when theresistance value VRa of the first variable resistive memory 64 a ishigher than the resistance value VRb of the second variable resistivememory 64 b, the transmission speed of the control signal DSa of thefirst inverted logic gate 68 a is lower than that of the control signalDSb of the second inverted logic gate 68 b. Therefore, the controlsignal DSb of the second inverted logic gate 68 b reaches the firstinverted logic gate 68 a before the control signal DSa of the firstinverted logic gate 68 a reaches the second inverted logic gate 68 b.Accordingly, the control signal DSa is always ‘0’ and the control signalDSb is always ‘1’. To the contrary, when the resistance value VRa of thefirst variable resistive memory 64 a is lower than the resistance valueVRb of the second variable resistive memory 64 b, the control signal DSais always ‘1’ and the control signal DSb is always ‘0’.

By setting the resistance values VRa and VRb of the first and secondvariable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b to differ from each other, thecontrol signal DSb of the second inverted logic gate 68 b is transmittedfrom the output terminal 69 of the control circuit 70. The value of thecontrol signal DSb of the control circuit 70 is determined, as describedabove, according to the magnitude relation of the written resistivitiesof the first and second variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b. Inother words, when the second variable resistive memory 64 b has a higherresistivity than that of the first variable resistive memory 64 a, thecontrol signal DSb of the control circuit 70 is ‘0’. To the contrary,when the second variable resistive memory 64 b has a lower resistivitythan that of the first variable resistive memory 64 a, the controlsignal DSb of the control circuit 70 is ‘1’.

In the control circuit 70 of the inverted logic gate array 56 of thecontrol circuit unit 72, as shown in FIG. 4, the inverted logic gateunit 68 corresponds to the memory unit 64 of the memory array 46. One ofthe plurality of logic circuits is selected according to the selectionsignal Psel from the selection circuit 52. The corresponding controlcircuit 70 reads the stored reconfiguration data from the memory unit 64provided over each reconfigurable logic gate 50 of the selected logiccircuit. The control signal DSb of the control circuit 70, which is thereconfiguration data readout from the memory unit 64, is transmitted tothe reconfigurable logic gate 50 from the control circuit unit 72, so asto reconfigure the reconfigurable logic gate 50. Thus, since thecorresponding memory unit 64 is provided on the upper portion of eachreconfigurable logic gate 50, the interconnect distance for transmittingthe reconfiguration data can be decreased. Therefore, the transmissiontime of the reconfiguration data is decreased.

In order to achieve a specific logical function by connecting the logicgates, the operation unit, or the like, in the reconfigurable logic gate50, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of control signals DSb aretransmitted as a configuration signal DSc to the reconfigurable logicgate 50 from the respective output terminals 69 of the plurality ofcontrol circuits 70, 70 a, 70 b, . . . , and 70 k included in thecontrol circuit unit 72. For example, when the 16-bit configurationsignal DSc is used to provide the logical function to the reconfigurablelogic gate 50, sixteen control circuits 70 to 70 k are used in thecontrol circuit unit 72. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, areconfiguration data signal DSrec including a plurality of configurationsignals DSc transmitted from the control circuit units 72, 72 a, 72 b, .. . , and 72 n in a control circuit block 73, is transmitted to areconfigurable logic gate array 60 including a plurality ofreconfigurable logic gates 50. The reconfiguration data signal DSrecallows collective and parallel reconfiguration of the interconnects forthe logic gates, the operation units, and the like, provided in thereconfigurable logic gates 50, so as to build the selected logic circuitusing the reconfigurable logic gate array 60.

In order to implement sequentially reconfiguration and operation for theplurality of logic circuits of which the reconfiguration data arepreviously stored in the memory array 46, the power supply for theinverted logic gate array 56 in the control circuit unit 72 is resetbefore transmitting the selection signal Psel from the selection circuit52. Subsequently, one of the stored reconfiguration data of the logiccircuits is newly selected according to the selection signal Psel, andthe control circuit 70 corresponding to each of reconfiguration datareads out the reconfiguration data for the selected logic circuit. As aresult, the reconfiguration data signal DSrec including the plurality ofconfiguration signals DSc, which are a set of control signals DSbcorresponding to each of the reconfiguration data for the reconfigurablelogic gates 50, is collectively transmitted to the reconfigurable logicgate array 60 from each of the control circuits 70 included in thecontrol circuit block 73 corresponding to the selected logic circuit.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, since the corresponding memoryunit 64 is arranged over the corresponding reconfigurable logic gates50, the interconnect distance for transmitting reconfiguration data maydecrease. Additionally, the reconfiguration data signal DSrec for thereconfigurable logic gate array 60 may be collectively transmitted inparallel. Accordingly, compared to the case where a sense amplifierserially reading out the reconfiguration data is used, thereconfiguration time for a logic circuit may significantly decrease.

Furthermore, the control circuit 70 according to the first embodiment isa latch circuit using the inverters for the first and second invertedlogic gates 68 a and 68 b. The inverter includes two transistors. On theother hand, the current sense amplifier uses at least eight to tentransistors. Accordingly, the control circuit 70 may be miniaturizedmore than by use of the current sense amplifier. Furthermore, thereconfigurable logic block 40 may also be miniaturized since the memoryarray 46 is provided over the interconnection layer 44.

Second Embodiment

A control circuit 170 of the reconfigurable logic block 40 according toa second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7,includes an inverted logic gate unit 68 providing a reset-set-latch(RS-latch) circuit, and a memory unit 64 inserted in the inverted logicgate unit 68. A first inverted logic gate 76 a and a second invertedlogic gate 76 b in the inverted logic gate unit 68 include a set inputterminal S and a reset input terminal R, respectively. A first variableresistive memory 64 a is connected between the output terminal Ya of thefirst inverted logic gate 76 a and an input terminal B of the secondinverted logic gate 76 b. A second variable resistive memory 64 b isconnected between an input terminal A of the first inverted logic gate76 a and an output terminal Yb of the second inverted logic gate 76 b.Output terminals 69 a and 69 b of the control circuit 170 are connectedto the first and second inverted logic gates 76 a and 76 b,respectively. NAND circuits are used for the first and second invertedlogic gates 76 a and 76 b. The set input terminal S and the reset inputterminal R are connected to the selection circuit 52 shown in FIG. 1,and receive a set input signal D_(SET) and a reset input signalD_(RESET), respectively. Write terminals 63 a and 63 b are provided tothe first and second variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b,respectively.

In the second embodiment, the RS-latch circuit used in the controlcircuit 170 is different from the first embodiment. The rest of theconfiguration is the same, thus duplicate description is omitted.

In the control circuit 170, as shown in the characteristic table of FIG.8, the set input signal D_(SET) and the reset input signal D_(RESET)transmitted from the selection circuit 52 to the set input terminal Sand the reset input terminal R, respectively, are both initialized to‘0’ in accordance with an initialization signal. As a result, bothcontrol signals DSa and DSb of the first and second inverted logic gates76 a and 76 b become ‘1’ regardless of the reconfiguration data storedin the memory unit 64. Thereafter, the stored reconfiguration data isread out in accordance with a readout signal from the selection circuit52, which turns both of the set input signal D_(SET) of the set inputterminal S and the reset input signal D_(RESET) of the reset inputterminal R, respectively, to ‘1’. When the set input signal D_(SET) andthe reset input signal D_(RESET) are both set to ‘1’, thereconfiguration data can be read out from the memory unit 64, by thesame principle as described in the first embodiment, since two NANDcircuits operate equivalent to two inverters. Namely, when a resistancevalue VRa of the first variable resistive memory 64 a is lower than aresistance value VRb of the second variable resistive memory 64 b,transmission speed of the control signal DSa of the first inverted logicgate 76 a is higher than that of the control signal DSb of the secondinverted logic gate 76 b. Therefore, since the control signal DSa of thefirst inverted logic gate 76 a reaches the input terminal B of thesecond inverted logic gate 76 b before the control signal DSb of thesecond inverted logic gate 76 b reaches the input terminal A of thefirst inverted logic gate 76 a, the control signal DSa is always ‘1’ andthe control signal DSb is always ‘0’. To the contrary, when theresistance value VRa of the first variable resistive memory 64 a ishigher than the resistance value VRb of the second variable resistivememory 64 b, the control signal DSa is always ‘0’ and the control signalDSb is always ‘1’.

The resistance values VRa and VRb of the first and second variableresistive memories 64 a and 64 b are set to differ from each other sothat, for example, the control signal DSb of the second inverted logicgate 76 b is the output of the control circuit 170. Namely, the value ofthe control signal DSb can be determined according to the magnituderelation of the written resistivities of the first and the secondvariable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b. The value of the controlsignal DSb is ‘0’, when the second variable resistive memory 64 b has ahigher resistivity than that of the first variable resistive memory 64a. The value of the control signal DSb is ‘1’ when the first variableresistive memory 64 a has a higher resistivity than that of the secondvariable resistive memory 64 b.

The reconfiguration data for the reconfigurable logic gate 50 ispreviously stored in the plurality of memory units 64 of the memoryarray 46 shown in FIG. 3. The control circuit 170 initializes thecontrol signals DSa and DSb and reads out the stored reconfigurationdata of the reconfigurable logic gate 50 in accordance with theinitialization signal and the readout signal to the set input terminal Sand the reset input terminal R from the selection circuit 52. In orderto achieve a logical function by connecting the logic gates, theoperation unit, and the like of the reconfigurable logic gate 50, asshown in FIG. 9, a plurality of control signals DSb are transmitted as aconfiguration signal DSc to the reconfigurable logic gates 50 from aplurality of control circuits 170, 170 a, 170 b, . . . , and 170 kincluded in a control circuit unit 172. For example, in the case ofusing the 16-bit configuration signal DSc to achieve the logicalfunction of the reconfigurable logic gate 50, sixteen control circuits170, 170 a, 170 b, . . . , and 170 k in the control circuit unit 172 areused. In addition, a plurality of control circuit units 172 can transmita plurality of configuration signals DSc corresponding to thereconfiguration data for a plurality of reconfigurable logic gates 50,so as to implement reconfiguration of the logic circuits.

Furthermore, the control circuit 170 according to the second embodimentis provided by the RS-latch circuit using the NAND circuits for thefirst and second inverted logic gates 76 a and 76 b. The NAND circuittypically includes four transistors. Accordingly, the control circuit170 may be further miniaturized compared with the aforementioned senseamplifier.

In the reconfigurable logic gate 50 according to the second embodiment,it is possible to operate a plurality of logic gates of the logiccircuit having different logical functions to implement reconfiguration,without resetting a power supply. For example, the control circuits 170in the control circuit unit 172 are initialized in accordance with theinitialization signal from the selection circuit 52. Any one of theinverted logic gates 68 corresponding to the memory unit 64 in thememory array 46 shown in FIG. 3 is selected according to the selectionsignal Psel from the selection circuit 52. Next, the readout signal istransmitted to the plurality of control circuits 170 from the selectioncircuit 52 so as to read out the reconfiguration data. Thereconfiguration data are transmitted to the reconfigurable logic gate 50from the plurality of control circuits 170 so as to implementreconfiguration for a logic circuit having a specific logical function.Thus, by repeating operations of initializing the control circuits 170,selecting the inverted logic gate 68 corresponding to a logic circuit,reading out the reconfiguration data, and implementing reconfigurationof the logic circuit, the plurality of logic circuits with differentlogical functions can operate reconfiguration in a short cycle. In thesecond embodiment, since resetting the power of the inverted logic gatearray 56 shown in FIG. 1 is not necessary, a power supply control unitcan be omitted. Therefore, further miniaturizing of the entire circuitmay be possible.

As described above, in the control circuit 170, the RS-latch circuit isprovided by a NAND circuit. However, the RS-latch circuit may be alsoprovided by a NOR circuit. A control circuit 171, as shown in FIG. 10,includes an inverted logic gate unit 68 and a memory unit 64. Theinverted logic gate unit 68 includes a first inverted logic gate 78 ahaving a set input terminal S and a second inverted logic gate 78 bhaving a reset input terminal R. The memory unit 64 includes a firstvariable resistive memory 64 a connected between an output terminal Yaof the first inverted logic gate 78 a and an input terminal Ba of thesecond inverted logic gate 78 b, and a second variable resistive memory64 b connected between an input terminal Aa of the first inverted logicgate 78 a and an output terminal Yb of the second inverted logic gate 78b. The output terminals 69 a and 69 b are connected to the outputterminals Ya and Yb of the first and second inverted logic gates 78 aand 78 b, respectively. NOR circuits are used for the first and secondinverted logic gates 78 a and 78 b. The write terminals 63 a and 63 bare provided to the first and second variable resistive memories 64 aand 64 b, respectively.

In the control circuit 171, as shown in the characteristic table of FIG.11, the set input signal D_(SET) and the reset input signal D_(RESET)transmitted from the select circuit 52, shown in FIG. 1, to the setinput terminal S and the reset input terminal R, respectively, are bothinitialized to ‘1’ in accordance with an initialization signal. As aresult, both of the control signals DSa and DSb of the first and secondinverted logic gates 78 a and 78 b are ‘0’ regardless of thereconfiguration data stored in the memory unit 64. Thereafter, thestored reconfiguration data is read out in accordance with a readoutsignal from the selection circuit 52, which turns both the set inputsignal D_(SET) of the set input terminal S and the reset input signalD_(RESET) of the reset input terminal R, to ‘10’. If the set inputsignal D_(SET) and the reset input signal D_(RESET) are both ‘0’, thereconfiguration data is read out from the memory unit 64 by the sameprinciple as described in the first embodiment, since two NOR circuitsoperate equivalent to two inverters. Namely, when the resistance valueVRa of the first variable resistive memory 64 a is lower than theresistance value VRb of the second variable resistive memory 64 b,transmission speed of the control signal DSa of the first inverted logicgate 78 a is higher than that of the control signal DSb of the secondinverted logic gate 78 b. Therefore, since the control signal DSa of thefirst inverted logic gate 78 a reaches the input terminal Ba of thesecond inverted logic gate 78 b before the control signal DSb of thesecond inverted logic gate 78 b reaches the input terminal Aa of thefirst inverted logic gate 78 a, the control signal DSa is always ‘0’ andthe control signal DSb is always ‘1’. To the contrary, when theresistance value VRa of the first variable resistive memory 64 a ishigher than the resistance value VRb of the second variable resistivememory 64 b, the control signal DSa is always ‘1’ and the control signalDSb is always ‘0’.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the values of the control signals DSa andDSb are reversed between the control circuit 171 and the control circuit170. Thus, by use of the control signal DSa of the control circuit 171,it is possible to reconfigure the logic circuit, as with the controlcircuit 170. Furthermore, the NOR circuit includes four transistors, thesame as the NAND circuit. Accordingly, it is possible to furtherminiaturize the control circuit 171 compared to use of the senseamplifier.

Third Embodiment

A reconfigurable logic block 40 a according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention, as shown in FIG. 12, includes the input circuit 58having an input terminal 51; a control circuit unit 72 a having aninverted logic gate array 56 a connected to the input circuit 58, and amemory array 46 a connected to the inverted logic gate array 56 a; areconfigurable logic gate 50 connected to the inverted logic gate array56 a; and the selection circuit 52 connected to the inverted logic gatearray 56 a. The input circuit 58 acquires input signals Din includingreconfiguration data of logic gates for a plurality of logic circuitsfrom a design system for a logic circuit layout or the like, which isconnected to the input terminal 51. The inverted logic gate array 56 a,based on a write instruction signal Pwr from the select circuit 52,transmits a circuitry data signal Dlw from the input circuit 58 a as awrite signal Dwr to the memory array 46 a so as to write in thereconfiguration data. Furthermore, the inverted logic gate array 56 a,based on a selection signal Psel from the selection circuit 52, readsout the reconfiguration data stored in the memory array 46 a, generatingcontrol signals DSa and DSb. Moreover, the inverted logic gate array 56a transmits a configuration signal DSc to the reconfigurable logic gate50 corresponding to the reconfiguration data of the logic gates for theselected logic circuit. A reconfigurable logic circuit having a specificoperation is provided by connecting a plurality of reconfigurable logicblocks 40 a.

In the third embodiment, the control circuit unit 72 a, whichcollectively writes and reads out the reconfiguration data, is differentfrom the first and second embodiments of the present invention. The restof the configuration is the same, thus duplicate description is omitted.

A variable resistive memory 80 provided in the memory array 46 a, asshown in FIG. 13, has a first tunnel insulator film 86 and a secondtunnel insulator film 88 provided on opposite surfaces of a node 90. Thefirst and second tunnel insulator films 86 and 88 are insulator film ofsilicon oxide (SiO₂) or the like. The node 90 is a semiconductormaterial such as a silicon (Si) dot. A first and a second electrode 82and 84 of a conductive material such as a metal are provided on surfacesof the first and second tunnel insulator films 86 and 88, respectively.Film thicknesses of the first and second tunnel insulator films 86 and88 are in a range of approximately two nm to ten nm. When the filmthickness of the first or second tunnel insulator film 86 or 88 islarger than ten nm, a necessary voltage applied between the first andsecond electrodes 82 and 84 for tunneling injection of electrons intothe node 90 may exceed a power-supply voltage for the inverted logicgate array 56 a, for example, five V. Thus, writing to the variableresistive memory 80 becomes difficult. Furthermore, when the filmthickness of the first or second tunnel insulator film 86 or 88 is lessthan two nm, the tunneling electrons injected into the node 90 easilyleak. Thus, not only a hold time for stored data in the variableresistive memory 80 decreases, but reading out the variable resistivememory 80 becomes difficult. In the third embodiment, the filmthicknesses of the first and second tunnel insulator films 86 and 88 areset to approximately three nm.

The variable resistive memory 80, as shown in FIG. 14, has a voltageversus resistance characteristic indicated by a solid line whenelectrons have not been injected in the node 90, thereby having lowresistance. When an applied voltage between the first and secondelectrodes 82 and 84 is maintained at a write voltage V_(WRITE) of, forexample, 2V, electrons are accumulated in the node 90 by tunnelinginjection. In a state where the injected electrons are accumulated tocharge the node 90, the voltage versus resistance characteristic of thevariable resistive memory 80 shows high resistance, as indicated by adotted line in FIG. 14. When the applied voltage between the first andsecond electrodes 82 and 84 further increases to an erasure voltageV_(ERASE) of, for example, 3.5V or greater, the electrons in the node 90can be emitted over potential barriers of the first and second tunnelinsulator films 86 and 88. As a result, the accumulated electrons aredispersed to discharge the node 90, and the variable resistive memory 80returns to the low resistance state. Reading out from the variableresistive memory 80 is implemented by measuring the magnitude of acurrent flowing through the variable resistive memory 80 with a readoutvoltage V_(READ) that is lower than the write voltage V_(WRITE). Notethat with the readout voltage V_(READ), significant tunneling injectionof electrons into the node 90 may not occur and an increase in theresistance of the variable resistive memory 80 maybe less than 1%.Furthermore, in the variable resistive memory 80, since stored dataneeds to be held during only the time for implementing reconfigurationbetween a specific logic circuit and anther logic circuit, the hold timefor stored data is not necessarily long when frequently implementingreconfiguration.

As shown in FIG. 15, a control circuit 270 of the control circuit unit72 a shown in FIG. 12 includes an inverted logic gate unit 68 providinga RS-latch circuit, and a memory unit 64 inserted in the inverted logicgate unit 68. The inverted logic gate unit 68 includes a first invertedlogic gate 76 a having a set input terminal S and a second invertedlogic gate 76 b having a reset input terminal R, respectively. Thememory unit 64 includes a first variable resistive memory 80 a connectedbetween an output terminal Ya of the first inverted logic gate 76 a andan input terminal B of the second inverted logic gate 76 b, and a secondvariable resistive memory 80 b connected between an input terminal A ofthe first inverted logic gate 76 a and an output terminal Yb of thesecond inverted logic gate 76 b. Output terminals 69 a and 69 b areconnected to the first and second inverted logic gates 76 a and 76 b,respectively. NAND circuits are used for the first and second invertedlogic gates 76 a and 76 b. The set input terminal S and the reset inputterminal R are connected to the select circuit 52 shown in FIG. 12.

Write and read out of the reconfiguration data implemented by thecontrol circuit 270 is described by referring to the characteristictable of FIG. 16. Note that as with the memory array 46 shown in FIG. 3,a plurality of memory units 64 are provided in the memory array 46 a.

In the control circuit 270, to begin with, the power supply voltage forthe first and second inverted logic gates 76 a and 76 b is set to 5V,which is equal to or greater than the erasure voltage V_(ERASE). The setinput signal D_(SET) and the reset input signal DRESET transmitted tothe set input terminal S and the reset input terminal R, respectively,from the select circuit 52 shown in FIG. 12 are both initialized to ‘0’in accordance with an initialization signal. Specifically, both ofcontrol signals DSa and DSb of the first and second inverted logic gates76 a and 76 b become ‘1’ regardless of the reconfiguration data storedin the memory unit 64. As a result, a voltage of 5V is applied to boththe first and second variable resistive memories 80 a and 80 b so as tobe initialized to a low resistance. In order to avoid being rewritten, ashort pulse voltage is applied for initialization.

Next, when the write instruction signal Pwr is transmitted from theselection circuit 52 to the control circuit 270, the power supplyvoltage for the first and second inverted logic gates 76 a and 76 b isset to a voltage of, for example, 3V between the write voltage V_(WRITE)and the erasure voltage V_(ERASE). The inverted logic gate array 56 areads the reconfiguration data from the input circuit 58. The circuitrydata signals Dlw corresponding to the reconfiguration data of the logicgates for the plurality of logic circuits are collectively sent from theinput circuit 58, to the set input terminals S and the reset inputterminals R of the corresponding control circuits 270. Here, thecircuitry data signal Dlw is a combination of the set input signalD_(SET) of the set input terminal S and the reset input signal D_(RESET)of the reset input terminal R, (D_(SET), D_(RESET)). In the case of acircuitry data signal Dlw (1, 0), the set input terminal S is ‘1’, andthe reset input terminal R is ‘0’. Then, the control signal DSa becomes‘1’, and the control signal DSb becomes ‘0’. Since the initial voltageof the input B is 0V, the voltage applied to the first variableresistive memory 80 a becomes 3V so as to allow tunneling injection ofelectrons in the first variable resistive memory 80 a. Thus, the firstvariable resistive memory 80 a has high resistance. The second variableresistive memory 80 b remains at a low resistance. To the contrary, inthe case of the circuitry data signal Dlw (1,0), the control signal DSabecomes ‘0’, and the control signal DSb becomes ‘1’. Consequently, thefirst variable resistive memory 80 a has a low resistance, and thesecond variable resistive memory 80 b has a high resistance. Thus, thereconfiguration data are collectively written into each memory unit inthe memory array 46 a.

When reconfiguration data has been written, the power supply voltage forthe first and second inverted logic gates 76 a and 76 b is set to thereadout voltage V_(READ) of 1.5 V, for example. At the same time, theselection signal Psel for a desired logic circuit is transmitted to theinverted logic gate array 56 a from the selection circuit 52. A readoutsignal is transmitted from the selection circuit 52 to the controlcircuit 270 corresponding to the reconfiguration data of the logic gatesfor the selected logic circuit. According to the readout signal, both ofthe set input terminal S and the reset input terminal R of the controlcircuit 270 receive ‘1’. For example, when the first variable resistivememory 80 a is written to have a low resistance, the control signal DSabecomes ‘1’, and the control signal DSb becomes ‘0’. To the contrary,when the second variable resistive memory 80 b is written to have a lowresistance, the control signal DSa becomes ‘0’, and the control signalDSb becomes ‘1’. Accordingly, the control circuit 270 can transmit thereconfiguration data stored in the memory unit 64 to the reconfigurablelogic gates 50. In this manner, in accordance with the selection signalPsel and the readout signal from the selection circuit 52, therespective reconfiguration data for the plurality of logic circuitsstored in the memory array 46 a are transmitted to the reconfigurablelogic gates 50 from the control circuits 270 in the inverted logic gatearray 56 a corresponding to the selected logic circuit.

According to the third embodiment, the reconfigurable logic block 40 amay be miniaturized since the memory array 46 a may be provided over theinterconnection layer as shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, since thecontrol circuit 270, which implements readout of the reconfigurationdata of a logic gate and reconfiguration thereof, is an RS-latchcircuit, it is possible to miniaturize the reconfigurable logic block 40a. Furthermore, since write and readout of the reconfiguration data arecollectively implemented in parallel by the control circuit 270, thetime for reconfiguration of a logic circuit may decrease.

Other Embodiments

The present invention has been described as mentioned above. However thedescriptions and drawings that constitute a portion of this disclosureshould not be perceived as limiting this invention. Various alternativeembodiments and operational techniques will become clear to personsskilled in the art from this disclosure.

In the description of the first embodiment, the memory unit 64 includingthe first and second variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b is usedfor the control circuit 70 shown in FIG. 4. However, a single variableresistive memory may be used. For example, in a control circuit 71, asshown in FIG. 17, a variable resistive variable resistive memory 64 c isconnected between an output terminal of a first inverted logic gate 68 aand an input terminal of a second inverted logic gate 68 b, and a fixedreference resistance (a resistive element) 65 is connected between aninput terminal of the first inverted logic gate 68 a and an outputterminal of the second inverted logic gate 68 b. In this case, aresistance value Rref of the reference resistance 65 is set between aminimum and a maximum of a variable resistance value VRc of the variableresistive memory 64 c. When the resistance value VRc of the variableresistive memory 64 c is written over the resistance value Rref of thereference resistance 65, the control signal DSb of the control circuit70 a is ‘1’. In the reversed case, the control signal DSb is ‘0’.

Thus, even with the control circuit 71 having the reference resistance65, it is possible to store reconfiguration data for a logic circuit,and to implement reconfiguration of the logic circuit. The variableresistive memory 64 c and the reference resistance 65 may be provided inthe memory units 64 shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the referenceresistance 65 may be fabricated on the semiconductor substrate as withthe inverted logic gate unit 68. In this case, the memory unit 64includes only the variable resistive memory 64 c, allowing a smallerarea for the memory array. Furthermore, since a write terminal 63 cneeds to be provided only to the variable resistive memory 64 c,interconnects for writing may decrease.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the first and second variableresistive memories 64 a and 64 b of the control circuit 70 are seriallyarranged between the input terminal and the output terminal of the firstand second inverted logic gates 68 a and 68 b, respectively. However,there may be a case where the minimum resistance value of the first andsecond variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b is so high that delaysin control signals DSa and DSb increase. For example, when resistancesof the interconnects connecting between the input terminal and theoutput terminal of the first and second inverted logic gates 68 a and 68b, respectively, are approximately the same as the minimum resistancevalue of the first and second variable resistive memories 64 a and 64 b,as shown in FIG. 18, the first and second variable resistive memories 64a and 64 b in a control circuit 71 a may be connected in parallel tointerconnect portions 74 between the input terminal and the outputterminal of the first and second inverted logic gates 68 a and 68 b,respectively. Since a combined resistance of the minimum resistancevalue of the first or second variable resistive memories 64 a or 64 band the resistance value of the interconnect portion 74 is reduced toapproximately ½, the delay for the control signals DSa or DSb can beprevented.

Furthermore, the case where the minimum resistance value of the variableresistive memory 64 c shown in FIG. 17 is high may also use a parallelconnection, as in the above description, as long as the resistance ofthe interconnect connecting between the input terminal and the outputterminal of the first and second inverted logic gates 68 a and 68 b isapproximately the same as the minimum resistance value of the variableresistive memory 64 c. Namely, in the control circuit 71 b, as shown inFIG. 19, delays in control signals DSa and DSb may be prevented byconnecting the variable resistive memory 64 c and the referenceresistance 65 in parallel to the interconnect portions 74.

Furthermore, in the description of the first through third embodiments,reconfiguration of logic gates is implemented by controlling theswitching transistors, which are provided in the reconfigurable logicgate 50, using the control signal DSb or DSa of the control circuits 70,170, 171, and 270. However, a transfer gate may be used for switchinginterconnects between the logic gates and the operation units. As shownin FIG. 20, output terminals 69 a and 69 b transmitting the controlsignals DSa and DSb of the first and second inverted logic gates 76 aand 76 b in the control circuit 170, respectively, are connected to anegative input terminal C and an input terminal D of a transfer gate 77,respectively. The transfer gate 77 may be provided in the reconfigurablelogic gate 50 shown in FIG. 1 or 12. Switching terminals of the transfergate 77 are connected to interconnects XIN and XOUT, which are used forconnection between MOSFETs, logic gates, operation units, and the like.

For example, when the control signals DSa and DSb of the first andsecond inverted logic gates 76 a and 76 b are ‘0’ and ‘1’, respectively,the transfer gate 77 turns on to connect the interconnects XIN and XOUT.Furthermore, when the control signals DSa and DSb are ‘1’and ‘0’,respectively, the transfer gate 77 turns off to disconnect theinterconnects XIN and XOUT. Accordingly, the reconfiguration data of thelogic gates stored in the memory unit 64 is transferred to thereconfigurable logic gate by the control circuit 170 to implementreconfiguration of the logic gates via the transfer gate 77.

1. A control circuit for providing a control signal to build a logiccircuit, comprising: a latch circuit including a first and a secondinverted logic gate; a first variable resistive memory provided betweenan output of the first inverted logic gate and an input of the secondinverted logic gate, the first variable resistive memory configured tostore a resistance value in accordance with a write signal; and aresistive element provided between an input of the first inverted logicgate and an output of the second inverted logic gate, wherein the outputof the second inverted logic gate serves to transmit the control signal.2. The control circuit of claim 1, wherein the resistive element is asecond variable resistive memory storing another resistance value inaccordance with the write signal.
 3. The control circuit of claim 1,wherein the resistive element is a reference resistance having a fixedresistance value between a minimum and a maximum in a range of thevariable resistance value of the first variable resistive memory.
 4. Thecontrol circuit of claim 2, wherein the first variable resistive memoryis connected to a first interconnect in series, the first interconnectprovided between the output of the first inverted logic gate and theinput of the second inverted logic gate, and the second variableresistive memory is connected to a second interconnect in series, thesecond interconnect provided between the input of the first invertedlogic gate and the output of the second inverted logic gate.
 5. Thecontrol circuit of claim 3, wherein the first variable resistive memoryis connected to a first interconnect in parallel, the first interconnectprovided between the output of the first inverted logic gate and theinput of the second inverted logic gate, and the reference resistance isconnected to a second interconnect in parallel, the second interconnectprovided between the input of the first inverted logic gate and theoutput of the second inverted logic gate.
 6. The control circuit ofclaim 2, wherein the write signal is one of an electrical signal, amagnetic signal, an optical signal, and a thermal signal.
 7. The controlcircuit of claim 4, wherein the first and second variable resistivememories are provided with first and second tunneling insulator films onopposite surfaces of a semiconductor node.
 8. The control circuit ofclaim 7, wherein resistances of the first and second variable resistivememories decrease by charging the semiconductor node.
 9. The controlcircuit of claim 2, wherein the first and second variable resistivememories are provided on one of an interior and a surface of aninterconnection layer, the interconnection layer provided on asemiconductor substrate including the latch circuit.
 10. The controlcircuit of claim 1, wherein the latch circuit is a reset-set-latchcircuit.
 11. A reconfigurable logic block, comprising: an input circuitconfigured to acquire reconfiguration data of logic gates for building aplurality of logic circuits; a memory array having a plurality of memoryunits corresponding to a number of the plurality of logic circuits, thememory units including paired first and second variable resistivememories, configured to store the reconfiguration data based on amagnitude relation of resistance between the first and second variableresistive memories in accordance with a write signal corresponding tothe reconfiguration data; an inverted logic gate array having aplurality of inverted logic gate units corresponding to the memoryunits, each of the inverted logic gate units having a latch circuit,which includes a first inverted logic gate and a second inverted logicgate, the inverted logic gate unit connected respectively to the firstvariable resistive memory between an output of the first inverted logicgate and an input of the second inverted logic gate, and the secondvariable resistive memory between an input of the first inverted logicgate and an output of the second inverted logic gate, the inverted logicgate units configured to transmit the configuration signal by readingout the reconfiguration data from the memory units; a selection circuitconfigured to transmit a selection signal for the reconfiguration datato the inverted logic gate array; and a reconfigurable logic gateconfigured to rebuild the logic gates in accordance with theconfiguration signal corresponding to the reconfiguration data selectedby the selection signal.
 12. The reconfigurable logic block of claim 11,further comprising a write circuit configured to acquire thereconfiguration data from the input circuit so as to transmit the writesignal.
 13. The reconfigurable logic block of claim 11, wherein theinverted logic gate array acquires the reconfiguration data from theinput circuit so as to transmit the write signal.
 14. The reconfigurablelogic block of claim 11, wherein the memory array is provided on one ofan interior and a surface of an interconnection layer, theinterconnection layer provided on a semiconductor substrate includingthe input circuit, the inverted logic gate array, the selection circuit,and the reconfigurable logic gates.
 15. The reconfigurable logic blockof claim 11, wherein the write signal is one of an electrical signal, amagnetic signal, an optical signal, and a thermal signal.
 16. Thereconfigurable logic block of claim 11, wherein each of the invertedlogic gate units has a transfer gate connected to the outputs of thefirst and second inverted logic gates, respectively, the transfer gateconfigured to transmit the reconfiguration data.
 17. The reconfigurablelogic block of claim 11, wherein the first and second variable resistivememories are provided with first and second tunneling insulator films onopposite surfaces of a semiconductor node.
 18. The reconfigurable logicblock of claim 17, wherein resistances of the first and second variableresistive memories decrease by charging the semiconductor node.
 19. Thereconfigurable logic block of claim 11, wherein the latch circuit is areset-set-latch circuit.